The Miranda actor auditioned for the role of Lady Mary's new love interest and has since been shortlisted for the part by producers, the Sunday Mirror reports.
© BBC
Tom Ellis in 'Miranda'
© WENN / Daniel Deme
Tom Ellis with wife Tamzin Outhwaite
An ITV source said: "Tom has always been popular but he has really become hot property since his role as Gary in Miranda.
"He really showed his versatility and he's also incredibly popular with the female viewers. It was an absolute no-brainer to get him in for an audition.
"We know that Tom's got a lot of other options at the moment but if he does get the role it will be an incredible opportunity for him. A lot of the current cast have become global superstars.
"And it is always a bit of a coup for us to attract a major BBC star to a flagship ITV show like Downton Abbey."
Lady Mary, played by Michelle Dockery, seemingly lost husband Matthew (Dan Stevens) in a car crash during Downton Abbey's Christmas special. Her new romance will be a key plot in the next series.
